EastEnders has been forced to cut the number of actors with speaking parts to
16 per episode in an attempt to drive down costs.

The BBC has introduced the restriction to help the show meet reduced budget targets as even Albert Square feels the pinch of the recession.

The corporation said that the soap opera had resorted to the measure over the past year after it was ordered to make savings.

The move is likely to mean that fans will see less of some of their favourite stars, especially lesser characters, who may be on shorter contracts.

However, the BBC insisted that it did not threaten to undermine the quality of programme, which has been a stalwart in its schedule since it launched in 1985.

A spokesman said: “EastEnders, along with all BBC programmes, has to make savings, so working to an average number of regular actors per episode is one of many ways to keep within the programme budget.

“We’ve been working this way for the last year and it doesn’t impact on viewers’ enjoyment of the show.”

News of the quota on actors comes after Mark Thompson, the BBC director general, announced a £400 million package of cuts following the last licence fee settlement.

The BBC refused to disclose the annual budget for EastEnders, which has remained a closely guarded secret despite requests under the Freedom of Information Act.